How is it that one minute you’re enjoying your summer vacation and the next minute you’re carving pumpkins and making plans for the holidays? In this busy world we live in, time seems to slip away, and we’re often left with a to-do list that just doesn’t seem to get done!
And even with the best intentions, scheduling dental visits for you and your loved ones may be one of the unchecked items on the list. At Harlow Dental, we understand how busy you are, but we also understand that saving money is important to you as well. That’s why we want to make sure you know how dental benefits work and how you can maximize your coverage before the end of the year.
So, what do you need to know about taking advantage of your end-of-year dental benefits?
How Do Dental Benefits Work?
Most dental insurance plans work on a “use it or lose it” basis, meaning that they reset at the end of every year. Your plan likely has an annual maximum benefit and other parameters that start over on a certain date, usually January 1st.
Although there are exceptions, that means that you need to understand your coverage and schedule appointments soon to ensure you meet the deadline.
Taking Advantage of Your Benefits: What You Need to Know
Our dental team can help you navigate your insurance coverage and will even file claims on your behalf. We work with the following insurance companies: Aetna, Ameritas, Assurant, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Careington, Cigna, Delta Dental Premier, Delta USA, Dental Health Alliance Partners, DenteMax, Guardian Dental Guard, GEHA/Connection Dental, Humana, Metlife, Principal, Reliance, TriCare, United Concordia, and United Healthcare.
Here are some tips on making every dollar count before the end of the year:
- Know your annual maximum — The annual maximum is the most your dental coverage will pay toward any dental treatments for the calendar year. You need to know what that number is so you can plan accordingly and schedule certain treatments. Because your annual maximum doesn’t carry over to the next year, you’ll lose any unused portions.
- Focus on preventive care — Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services and don’t require you to meet a certain deductible. So, if it’s time for a routine exam, professional cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatments, or sealants, now is the time to get in touch with our dental office. Even if you brush and floss daily, only your dental hygienist can remove the stubborn plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Also, preventive care is a great way for your dentist to assess your oral health and treat any issues before they worsen.
- Plan treatments in phases — If you need larger procedures that require more than one appointment, such as dental crowns, root canals, bridges, or orthodontics, we’ll work with you to schedule some appointments this year and other appointments next year. Sometimes, your insurance company allows you to spread your treatment out, using some of this year’s benefits and some of next year’s benefits for the same procedure. Let us help you take advantage of your benefits!
- Address small concerns — One of the benefits of preventive dental care is the opportunity to treat small issues before they become more expensive problems later on. By using your dental insurance to pay for fillings or sealants, you may be able to avoid extensive treatments that your insurance may not cover.
- Schedule appointments as soon as possible — With the holidays right around the corner, it’s a good idea to make appointments now; this allows you to choose a day and time that fits your schedule and know that you’re ending the year with healthy teeth and gums, as well as more money in your pocket. Give yourself peace of mind and the gift of optimal oral health!
Questions About End-of-Year Dental Benefits in Charlotte, NC?
If you need a dentist in Charlotte, our experienced dental team would love to speak with you! At Harlow Dental, we offer three convenient locations to serve you, so you’re never far from the quality care you and your family deserve.
Before you lose your dental insurance benefits for 2025, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll happily answer any questions and help you schedule appointments in time to capitalize on your coverage.
Please get in touch with our office at Eastway, in Uptown, or at Steele Creek to learn more.